ACCURACY

As a self-absorbed and overly ambitious young lawyer, Fletcher Reede has a habit of giving precedence to his employer, breaking promises to his young son, Max, and then lying to both.  Soon Max (showing us once again that age and wisdom do not necessarily accompany one another) wishes before blowing out the candles that his father would be incapable of lying for a period of 24 hours.  The resulting, fictitious tale, starring Jim Carrey in “Liar Liar,” borders on hilarity.  An inability to deceive can at times be comically inconvenient.

All right, friends.  It is time to make a critical distinction:  there is difference between lying and simply being wrong.

When Reede tells his son he missed his birthday celebration because he had to work late - when instead he was engaged in copulation with a woman significant to future professional promotion - that is deceit.  That is a lie.

But to lie means to intentionally mislead.  We can lie by purposely articulating falsehoods - or by purposely omitting truth, truth which would impact the public’s otherwise accurate perception.

Years ago, many of us were grievously disgruntled when no weapons of mass destruction were found in Iraq.  The valid rationale for that grievance is that the existence of WMD’s was offered as a primary reason for invasion.  So the question is did the Bush and Clinton administrations - both of whom publicly acknowledged WMD’s during their tenure - did they lie to us? 

Or... let me ask the unpopular question... were they simply wrong?  Let us not diminish the error.    Being “wrong” may well qualify as foolish, idiotic, and/or ignorant.  Being “wrong,” however, is not immoral.   If being “wrong” is iniquitous, then arguably the integrity of each of us in jeopardy.  

This past Sunday, Vice President Biden was asked by George Stephanopoulos on ABC’s "This Week," how he could explain the inaccurate forecasting utilized as motivation to pass the economic stimulus package.  When the Obama administration urged passage of the stimulus plan at the beginning of this year, they claimed that with the stimulus, unemployment would peak at 8 percent in 2009; whereas without the stimulus, unemployment would rise to 9 percent in 2010. (See page 5 of "The Job Impact of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan.")  We're still in 2009 and unemployment has already reached 9.5 percent.  Biden’s explanation was, “We misread how bad the economy was.”

So the question is, when the administration was initially drumming up support for the stimulus package, did they lie to us?  Or were they simply wrong?  Being wrong is not unethical.

While the verdict remains out in regard to the success of the stimulus package (and thus should serve as significant pause in regard to enacting a second package), there is no evidence that anyone in the Obama administration knowingly lied to us.  

Watch.  Pay attention.  Give each administration your respect.   Seek that accurate perception.

AR

LARGE

(With respect and appreciation to Bonnie Tyler, for her catchy, musical hit, “Holding Out for a Hero,” originally released in 1984, also appearing on the phenomenal “Footloose” soundtrack...)

Where have all the good men gone and where are all the gods? 

Where's the great white Hercules to fight the rising odds? 

(psst...  do you have a hero?  ...do you long for a hero?)

Isn't there a white knight upon a fiery steed? 

Late at night I toss and I turn and I dream of what I need 

(Are there still any heroes?  With respect to the deceased, Michael Jackson made some amazing, unparalleled contributions to the music industry.  He was so innovative - and he danced like no other!  But the current worship by some is cause for discomfort.  It seems as if we may be treating Michael more as hero than human.)

I need a hero 

I'm holding out for a hero till the end of the night 

he's gotta be strong and he's gotta be fast 

and gotta be fresh from the fight 

(What about Steve McNair?  He was a hero, yes?  An actual Titan?  True, “Air McNair” was esteemed in that way, having a solid reputation as an NFL quarterback who was a tough, effective leader both on the field and in his community.  The sad circumstances of his untimely death again remind us, however, that no man is fit to be the object of worship.)

I need a hero 

I'm holding out for a hero till the morning light 

He's gotta be sure and he's gotta be soon 

And he's gotta be larger than life 

Larger than life 

Larger than life.  Perhaps such is the misnomer.  Who on this planet is capable of being assigned perfection?  Hero status, if you will?  Not Michael Jackson.  Not Steve McNair.  Even Solomon, the one history praises for desiring wisdom above all else, eventually allowed idolatry to be his downfall.  He began to worship that which was undeserving.

No one on Earth is larger than life... no matter how strong... no matter how fast... no matter how fresh from the fight.

AR

CHANGE YOU CAN BELIEVE IN

According to the Barna Group, 9 out of 10 adults admit that their faith plays a meaningful role in their life.  Quoting the California-based, marketing research firm, “It is still fashionable in America for people to believe in God.”  Hence, with the abundance of conviction, why does there still seem to exist significant chaos, lack of peace, and hypocrisy among us?  It would seem that faith should impact its followers.  Tell me:  has faith changed you?  Deeply changed you?  What difference does faith make in how you think and behave? 

We hear multiple, admirable persons articulate their religious beliefs... often in rather public moments...

“I feel so amazing... I’m so blessed... I thank my God, Jehovah, for letting me stay - get healthy through this match...” 

- Serena Williams, after winning yesterday’s Ladies Singles Championship at Wimbledon

Has your faith changed you?

“I am a Christian, and I am a devout Christian. I believe in the redemptive death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. I believe that faith gives me a path to be cleansed of sin and have eternal life.” 

- Then Presidential Candidate, Sen. Barack Obama

So how has faith changed you?

“First, I want to thank God, man, ‘cause without Him, none of this would be possible.”

 - Orlando’s favorite Superman impersonator, Dwight Howard, upon reaching the NBA Finals

Yes, but has faith changed you?

“Today, I thank God for Watergate. It taught me the greatest lesson of my life, the paradox of power: that he who seeks to save his life will lose it, but he who loses his life for Jesus’ sake shall find it.” 

- Chuck Colson, former White House Special Counsel, whose transformation has been undeniably radical

I do not claim to know the inner workings of the hearts of the men and women above; all may be admirably genuine.  The essence is that for those whose faith is authentic, it is reasonable to believe that it would impact how they think and behave - how we think and behave...  unless, of course, instead of adopting a faith, we simply advocate a cafeteria approach...

“Cafeteria plans” are popular in the workplace, for just as individuals may opt for their food of choice, employees may choose benefits of their choice.  They select the benefits which are most applicable to their family needs.  I often wonder if such is the case for faith and explains the sometimes lack of authentic change in behavior and belief.  Instead of adopting the full menu, we pick and choose which aspects of God we wish to believe in... usually accepting the benefits that are easiest to both explain and apply.  That way (how nice) we can continue to base our actions on what feels good or keeps others happy - as opposed to what may be best or even true.

Authentic faith is hard.  It is hard due to the totality of change that should accompany the application.

AR

THE MEANING OF THE DAY

She’s hot.  She holds a flame to which no one comes close.  Moreover, she seems metallic, made of pure copper hung on a framework of steel - save for that torch’s flame, which is coated in gold leaf.  She is also green, which currently seems to count as the hippest adjective in colloquial conversation.

But too, the gifted statue has served as the first glimpse of America for millions of immigrants... inspiring those who truly comprehend that freedom comes at a cost.  Remember it is she who stood firm while her neighboring twin towers collapsed. 

Tell me:  what does liberty mean?

lib⋅er⋅ty  [lib-er-tee] –noun, plural -ties.

1.  freedom from arbitrary or despotic government or control.

2.  freedom from external or foreign rule; independence.

3.  freedom from control, interference, obligation, restriction, hampering conditions, etc.

There is little doubt the huddled masses yearn to breathe free.  Free as citizens.  Freedom in our soul.  The question is what does freedom actually mean.  Are we free from despotic control?  Free from interference and obligation?  

According to our greatly admired, 16th President...  “We all declare for liberty; but in using the same word we do not all mean the same thing. With some the word liberty may mean for each man to do as he pleases with himself, and the product of his labor; while with others, the same word may mean for some men to do as they please with other men, and the product of other men's labor. Here are two, not only different, but incompatible things, called by the same name - liberty.”

Which man is truly free:  the one who may do as he pleases with the product of his labor?  Or the one who believes he can do as he pleases with the labor of other men?

As Independence Day approaches, perhaps we should look at the liberty the celebration commemorates:  our independence from the perceived overextending law and obligations, arbitrarily placed upon us by the Kingdom of Great Britain.  Independence Day is thus more than fireworks...  more than picnics and parades... more than baseball, hot dogs, apple pie, and Chevrolet.  (Actually, since the government now controls GM’s top-selling brand, perhaps the 4th of July is more about Chevy than previously fathomed.)  

It is a day to celebrate the freedom of control, interference, obligation, restriction, and hampering conditions arbitrarily placed upon us.  I pray our current government - especially those who continue to contemplate further obligations - understand the meaning of the day.

AR

MORE ENERGY NECESSARY

“How can they not read a book twice the size of the largest Harry Potter book and actually expect to know what it says?”

(From Jake, Age 12)

On Friday the House of Representatives passed the Cap and Trade bill, also known as H.R. 2998, Waxman-Markey Energy Tax Bill.  Its final form contained 1500 pages.  In the early hours of the morning in which congressional debate was scheduled, a 300 page amendment was added.  Question:  which of our congressmen read all 1500 pages?  Who read the amendment?  And today’s million dollar question:  who voted on the bill without reading its contents?  Who assumed they knew all that was included without reading the actual legislation?

Let me even quote Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA) during committee hearings:  “I certainly don’t claim to know everything that’s in this bill.”  Um, Waxman is the bill’s co-sponsor. 

(Psst... see the words from my son above.)

Sadly, this congressional injustice not only applies to cap and trade.  Remember the billion dollar stimulus package passed in February?

According to CNSNews.com, “Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.) predicted on Thursday that none of his Senate colleagues would ‘have the chance’ to read the entire final version of the $790-billion stimulus bill before the bill comes up for a final vote in Congress...  Of the several senators that CNSNews.com interviewed on Thursday, only Sen. George Voinovich (R-OH) claimed to have read the entire bill--and he was speaking of the preliminary version that had been approved by the Senate, not the final 999-page version that the House-Senate conference committee was still haggling over on Thursday afternoon.  When CNSNews.com asked members of both parties on Capitol Hill on Thursday whether they had read the full, final bill, not one member could say, ‘Yes.’" 

What?!  Should any of us be sitting down?!  How can our elected representation claim to represent us well if they are not even reading the proposed legislation?  Is our government so eager to flaunt its resume that the legislative branch is not taking the time (and thus discernment) in order to act responsibly?  Is it too strong a statement to declare this practice as ridiculous??

Note:  On June 16th, Rep. Brian Baird (D-WA) introduced H.R. 554, which would amend House rules to require that legislation and conference reports be available on the Internet for 72 hours before consideration by the House (See Baird’s project at www.readthebill.org).  Let us watch what our astute congressmen think of this proposal.

Nonetheless, the same thing keeps running through my head.  I think of the saying that “a little child will lead them.”

And then I think of my 12 year old... wishing our congressmen would listen to him.

AR

REMEMBER THE TIME

For all the controversy... for all the people that wanna be startin’ somethin’... for all the stories now plastered on TV...  this is what I wish to say to Michael...

As an 80’s high school graduate, my friends and I spent many moments with you... dancin’ on the beds, singing with our hairbrush microphones, seeing if there was any way we could even partially imitate that moondance.  The winter after graduation, we huddled around our newfound MTV (even though our parents thought we were studying for semester finals!), loving all 14 minutes of “Thriller.”  You entertained us often and much.  Thank you!

When fame surrounds a person, it seems to cast layers around the person’s potentially fragile heart.  Did we ever get a true picture of your heart, Michael?  Were you a lover, not a fighter?  Were you lonely?  What was true?  What was not?  Did you feel respected?

Since none of us truly were acquainted with your heart, let us simply repeat some of the wisdom of your words...

Don’t play the fool for the rest of your life

Work on it brother and you’ll make it

Someday go for what you want and don’t forget the faith

Look at yourself and what You doin’ right now

Stand back a minute just to check yourself out

Straighten out Your life and how you’re livin’ each day

Get yourself together cause you got to keep the Faith...  (“Keep the Faith”)

People always told me be careful of what you do

And don’t go around breaking young girls hearts

And mother always told me be careful of who you love

And be careful of what you do cause the lie becomes the truth...  (“Billie Jean”)

And the dream we were conceived in 

Will reveal a joyful face 

And the world we once believed in 

Will shine again in grace 

Then why do we keep strangling life 

Wound this earth, crucify its soul 

Though it's plain to see, this world is heavenly 

Be God's glow...  (“Heal the World”)

And one more, from “Gone Too Soon”...

Like The Loss Of Sunlight On A Cloudy Afternoon, Gone Too Soon;

Like A Castle Built Upon A Sandy Beach, Gone Too Soon;

Like A Perfect Flower That Is Just Beyond Your Reach, Gone Too Soon;

Born To Amuse, To Inspire, To Delight

Here One Day, Gone One Night;

Like A Sunset, Dying With The Rising Of The Moon

Gone Too Soon, Gone Too Soon...  

A tribute to Michael Jackson... We never know when death will come.  May each of us have peace with God now.

AR

IMPERFECT

Hold the presses... yesterday’s news trumps today’s headlines.

Yet another respected politician had his professional bubble burst yesterday, with the admission of heartbreaking infidelity.  The subject is one each of us can relate to... as we have either been hurt from it, engaged in it, or tempted by it.  “Good people” are often involved.

Let me first note that one act does not define a man.  If each of us were judged by singular moments in our lives, I wonder who could stand blameless.  To think that “it is I” is most likely either ignorant, arrogant, or naive.  This side of heaven, no man is perfect.

Publicly, the list of imperfect men and women knows few boundaries...

Bill Clinton.

John Edwards.

John Ensign.

Rudy Guiliani.

Jim McGreevey.

Eliot Spitzer.

And now Gov. Mark Sanford.

(Intramuralist note:  while no women are included in the above, more publicized list, please make no conclusions about female susceptibility.)

Our often forgiving public, no less, seems to have realized that while infidelity certainly indicates disreputable decision-making, it is not a pure reflection of the totality of a man’s character.  With authentic, private repentance, most have more to give.  According to a recent Fortune 500 article, for example, in regard to the power of philanthropy, “Bill Gates has the money. But no one motivates people and moves mountains like Bill Clinton.”   There is much more to Clinton’s character than his previous poor behavior.

But why is it that we have trouble admitting the “good” and “bad” in some?  Why do we seem to ignore the infidelity of specific people?  Why do some seem to bypass the scrutinization...  especially perhaps, in the name of celebrity?

Prince Charles.

Bill Cosby.

Katharine Hepburn.

Paul Newman.

FDR.

Julia Roberts.

Donald Trump.

(There are many, many more for whom the rumors hold more than substantial speculation.)

These persons, too, certainly have much more to their character; they have made positive contributions in multiple areas.  But with the exception of FDR, it sometimes seems as if we hold politicians to a standard that we choose to ignore in others.  Does celebrity motivate us to conceal imperfection?  

Each of us has something to give...  imperfect as each of us is.  We simply need to be wise, graceful, and consistent in handling those imperfections.

AR